Yamaha’s attractive little MT-03 learner bike, gets a major cosmetic and performance upgrade for 2020, plus a price hike.
The MT-03 is now $A7299 ride away, compared with $A5699 (plus on-road costs) last year.
However, it now has much better suspension, all LED lighting, LCD dash, new and aggressive “Dark Lightning” styling and a choice of three colours: Ice Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black.
The styling features a pointier nose, bigger air scoops, dual position lights and a minimalist diamond frame design with very little bending or welding.
But more importantly the handling should be vastly improved with the addition of 37mm inverted KYB forks and a cast aluminium upper triple clamp plus an updated rear shock with seven-step preload adjustment.
The long 573mm swingarm reduces fluctuations in the angle of the swingarm in relation to the road surface during both compression and rebound when compared to a conventional, shorter design.
Yamaha says this provides more efficient transmission of power to the rear wheel, particularly during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
MT-03 power
It is powered by a compact and lightweight 321cc inline twin-cylinder engine developed from Yamaha’s multi-championship-winning YZF-R3 sportsbike.
The liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve CP2 engine features a 180-degree crank and integrated counterbalancer.
This is a very popular and capable learner’s bike which we have enjoyed riding.
However, it is not without its issues having been recalled seven times since it was introduced in 2013.
Issues include brake problems, radiator leaks, gear shift problems, noisy gears, engine vibrations, fuel leaks, loss of electrical power, engine stalling and clutch failures.